10 Jan Health Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition. Left untreated, it can lead to a host of health issues – negatively affecting the body and mind. These health issues include the following:
High Blood Pressure: Oxygen levels in the body drop due to sleep apnea. When oxygen remains low, adrenaline levels increase. This adrenaline can contribute to high blood pressure, as well as anxiety, heart palpitations or trouble sleeping. Left unchecked, high blood pressure can increase the risk for heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Stroke: Untreated OSA increases the risk for stroke. High blood pressure, which is also a common side effect of untreated sleep apnea, also increases stroke risk.
Heart Issues: Studies suggest that untreated OSA increases the risk of congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease.
Blood Sugar and Metabolism: Obstructive sleep apnea can cause insulin resistance and alter glucose metabolism. Untreated OSA can also increase a person’s risk of becoming diabetic or experiencing other issues with blood sugar, glycemic control and metabolism.
Cancer: People with OSA are far more likely to get cancer than those do not have OSA. Untreated OSA may also promote tumor growth.
Mental Health & Alzheimer’s: Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with depression and mood issues. It may also be associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Impaired Cognitive Functioning: Untreated OSA has also been associated with an increase in cognitive dysfunction. What this means is that an untreated sleep apnea sufferer may experience issues with thinking, reasoning and memory, as well as brain fog.
Fatigue and Accidents: Because OSA can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue, those with OSA are at greater risk of getting into car crashes and other accidents. Sleep deprivation also impairs reaction times, which can put you at higher risk of accidents.
In addition, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue affect productivity levels as well as energy levels throughout the day.
Immune Health: Sleep helps to naturally support the immune system. When you’re not getting enough quality sleep, your immunity suffers, and you may become more susceptible to catching colds and viruses.
Source: American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine